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Human Rights for Open Societies
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 14 hours
  • Course by Utrecht University
  • Offered by

About

Human rights are under pressure in many places across the globe. Peaceful protests are violently quashed. Voting is tampered with. And minorities are often excluded from decision-making. All of this threatens the ideal of an open society in which each of us can be free and participate equally. A solid protection of human rights is needed for an open society to exist and to flourish. But it is often an uphill battle to work towards that ideal. Equip yourself and learn more about what human rights are and how they work. In this course, we will introduce you to one of the world’s most intricate human rights systems: the European Convention on Human Rights. You will see when and how people can turn to the European Court of Human Rights to complain about human rights violations. You will learn how the Court tries to solve many of the difficult human rights dilemmas of today. We will look, amongst other things, at the freedom of expression and demonstration, the right to vote, and the prohibition of discrimination. And we will address the rights of migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. And, of course, we will see whether it is possible to restrict rights and if so under what conditions. You will even encounter watchdogs and ice cream in this course. We invite you to follow us on a journey of discovery into the European Convention!

Modules

The idea of open societies

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Open societies and the ECHR

1 Readings

  • Short survey

Backgrounds and history of the ECHR

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The linkages between the ECHR and an open society

1 Readings

  • The birth of the ECHR

Basic principles and rationale of the ECHR system

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The foundations of the ECHR

The rights in the ECHR

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Where to find rights in the ECHR?

1 Readings

  • The European Convention on Human Rights

The Council of Europe and its institutions

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • The institutions of the Council of Europe

The admissibility of individual complaints

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The admissibility checklist of the ECtHR applied

1 Videos

  • The admissibility requirements

1 Readings

  • Articles 34 and 35 ECHR

The right to individual complaint

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Procedure in Strasbourg and execution of judgments

Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge on the foundations of the ECHR

The ECtHR's approach to fundamental rights cases

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • How does the ECtHR consider a fundamental rights case?

Defining the rights and freedoms of the ECHR

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • How to interpret the ECHR in a concrete case?

1 Videos

  • The principles and methods of interpretation

1 Readings

  • Additional reading on principles and methods of interpretation

Obligations for the States under the ECHR

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Determining States' obligations in practice

1 Readings

  • Positive and negative obligations

Restrictions of ECHR rights

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The justification of restrictions - a practical exercise

2 Videos

  • Categories of rights in the ECHR and possibilities for limitation
  • Conditions for restriction of ECHR rights

Who decides if ECHR rights can be restricted?

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The impact of the margin of appreciation in concrete cases

1 Videos

  • The intensity of review of restrictions and the margin of appreciation doctrine

Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge on the consideration of fundamental rights cases by the ECtHR

The link between human rights and democracy

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The protection of human rights in a democratic society

Voting rights: for all or for some?

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Voting rights for people with a mental disability

1 Readings

  • The right to vote and the right to stand for election

Political parties

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Restricting the freedom of association

1 Videos

  • Political parties

1 Readings

  • Article 11 ECHR - the freedom of assembly and association

New democracies and human rights

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Human rights in transitions to democracy

Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge on the connection between human rights and democracy

Human rights and universality

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The ECHR and the universal protection of human rights

Non-discrimination in the ECHR

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Grounds of discrimination - a practical exercise

1 Videos

  • Non-discrimination

2 Readings

  • Article 14 ECHR - the prohibition of discrimination
  • Suspect grounds of discrimination and the very weighty reasons test

The special position of vulnerable groups under the ECHR

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • The protection and definition of vulnerable groups under the ECHR

1 Videos

  • Vulnerable groups

Migrants and asylum seekers

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The rights of migrants and asylum seekers under the ECHR

Quiz

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Test your knowledge on the inclusion and exclusion of vulnerable groups, migrants and asylum seekers under the ECHR

Freedom of expression in the ECHR

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Freedom of expression in a democratic society

1 Readings

  • Article 10 ECHR - the freedom of expression

Freedom of expression for the media

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • ECHR criteria for protection of the media

1 Videos

  • The ECHR and the role of the media

Freedom of expression for politicians

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • ECHR criteria for freedom of expression for politicians

1 Readings

  • The importance of the freedom of expression in the political arena

Public protest

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • The freedom of public protest

Final assignment

    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • The case of Jacob Scholten

1 Peer Review

  • Reflection

Closure

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Final Survey

Auto Summary

Embark on a transformative journey with "Human Rights for Open Societies," a foundational course in the domain of Personal Development. This course delves into the pressing issues surrounding human rights and their crucial role in sustaining open societies where freedom and equal participation are paramount. Guided by expert instructors from Coursera, you will explore the intricacies of the European Convention on Human Rights, learning how individuals can seek justice through the European Court of Human Rights. The course covers a broad spectrum of topics, including freedom of expression, the right to vote, prohibition of discrimination, and the rights of migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. Over a comprehensive duration of 840 minutes, you will gain insights into how human rights can be both upheld and restricted under specific conditions. Engaging content, including unique elements like watchdogs and ice cream, ensures a captivating learning experience. Choose from Starter or Professional subscription options to begin this educational adventure designed for anyone passionate about human rights and their impact on open societies. This course is ideal for learners seeking a foundational understanding of human rights mechanisms and their application in contemporary issues. Join us and become well-versed in advocating for a more just and equitable world.

Janneke Gerards
Instructors

Janneke Gerards

Antoine Buyse
Instructors

Antoine Buyse

Matilda Rados
Instructors

Matilda Rados